Diagnosed with stage IV brest cancer

Rsguruji

Hey guys diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer undergoing with chemo had my second chemo a week ago now suffering from chills and fever,

How to tackle it ?

Moderators

((((((Rsguruji))))) Sending you hugs and encouragement. Here is an article on cold and flu symptoms, which may be a side effect of chemotherapy.

Have you let your oncologist or nurse know yet?

We're sorry for what you're going through, but glad you found us.

Here is the content on that link:

Cold and flu symptoms include:

• feeling tired
• sneezing
• coughing
• runny nose
• muscle aches
• sore or scratchy throat
• watery eyes
• headache
• low-grade fever (1 or 2 degree higher than normal)
• chills

Several breast cancer treatments can cause cold and flu symptoms:

• chemotherapy
• some hormonal therapies:
  • Evista (chemical name: raloxifene)
  • Faslodex (chemical name: fulvestrant)
• some targeted therapies:
  • Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab)
  • Lynparza (chemical name: olaparib)

Several pain medications, such as ibuprofen and morphine, can also cause cold- and flu-like symptoms.

Managing cold/flu symptoms

If you start to have cold or flu symptoms during your treatment for breast cancer, talk to your doctor. Sometimes these symptoms go away after the first few treatments. If they don't, there may be other medications you can take that will make you feel better. Your doctor can also make sure that you really don't have a cold or the flu.

Always check with your doctor before you take any supplements such as echinacea, zinc, or vitamin C that are thought to ease cold symptoms. Some supplements can interfere with breast cancer treatment and should not be taken.

Other tips to ease cold/flu symptoms:

• Rest, especially if you have a low-grade fever.
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, both of which can make your symptoms worse.
• Drink plenty of clear liquids such as water, fruit juice, and clear soups.
• Don't drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks. They can dehydrate you, which will make you feel worse.
• Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day to ease a sore throat.
• Use throat sprays or lozenges to soothe a scratchy throat.
• Use tissues with aloe or lotion in them; they can be soothing on a sore, runny nose.
• Eat chilled foods such as popsicles, applesauce, flavored gelatin, and sherbet. The coolness is soothing to a sore throat.

Racy

Please call your oncologist without delay. Fever can be very serious.

Moderators

Please let us know how you are doing, and if you contacted your oncology team.

Thank you!!